Expatriate relocating abroad to France and buying real estate may wish to speak to a legal advisor, as an expert has said he would "certainly recommend" doing this.

Leapfrog-properties.com managing director Niclas Dowlatshahi suggested people choose a French notaire who is happy to spend some time explaining the process to them.

Legal experts and solicitors in a home country can have a poorer level of knowledge than these individuals, who have done "all their studies in France" and actually take control of the transactions, he declared.

This is also the case for law firms with French departments, Mr Dowlatshahi continued.

He pointed out wealth tax has just had its threshold raised, while capital gains tax has been reduced to over a 30-year period, coming into effect on February 1st 2012.

Previously, this length of time was 15 years, the expert added.

The British government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns people to be aware of thieves and pickpockets when in France, particularly when using the Paris Underground.

Expatriate Group & Expatriate Healthcare are trading styles of Strategic Insurance Services Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA Firm reference Number is 307133. Strategic Insurance Services Limited is authorised to carry on Regulated Activities in accordance with the permissions granted by the FCA under PART IV of the Financial Services and Markets ACT 2000.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More